Soldering Technique

Solder is pronounced "sodder", the "l" is silent. This page assumes you will be soldering the components to a PC (printed circuit) board. The directions below will get you acquainted with some construction techniques.

Soldering irons, wire, PC board holders and other supplies are in 310. The soldering irons are on timers so that they can't accidentally be left on, but you should try to remember to turn them off when you are done.

Installing a component

To install a component on the PC board, first hold the board with the component side facing you. This is the side of the board with writing on it. Start with the smallest components, usually the resistors. Bend the leads of the device (if necessary) so that they will fit through the hold in the board with the device laying flat against the board. Now bend the leads on the solder side of the board so the device doesn't fall out (see below). You can place several components at the same time.



After several components have been "stuffed" (the technical term for putting components on a board), you can solder them. Before soldering anything make sure the sponge on the soldering stand is moist. You should frequently wipe the tip of the iron on the sponge to keep it clean.

To solder a component turn the board over so the solder side is up. There are some clamps for holding boards in the lab. To solder a connection hold the tip of the soldering iron on one side of the lead and hold it for a second or two. When the lead and the trace are hot, apply solder to the side of the lead that is away from the iron. The solder shouldn't touch the iron directly. This ensures that the connection is hot enough to form a bond with the lead and with the copper trace.



The solder should flow around the connection, and leave a smooth transition from the trace to the lead, as shown. If you have a ball, or the solder has a clumpy appearance you may need to redo the connection. If you need to remove solder we have "solder-suckers" and "solder-wick".

Good Solder Joint	Bad Solder Joint

Personal Protection While Welding

It is necessary that the worker and helpers be properly clothed and protected because of the heat, ultra-violet rays, and sparks, produced by the arc welder. For body protection a pair of fire retardant long sleeved coveralls without manacles is a good choice. Always avoid clothing with tears, snags, rips, or worn spots as these are effortlessly ignited by sparks. The sleeves and collars should be kept buttoned. The hands should be confined with leather gauntlet gloves. A pair o high top leather shoes, rather safety shoes, is good defense for the feet. If low shoes are worn the ankles should be protected by fire opposed to leggings. Eyes should be protected by translucent spectacles if the person wears recommendation glasses or safety glasses if not. A welding helmet or hand shield with filter plate and cover plate is mandatory for eye defense from the harmful rays of the arc. The filter plate should be at least shade for common welding up to 200 amps. However, certain operations such as carbon-arc welding and higher current welding operations need darker shades. Never use a helmet if the riddle plate or cover lens is cracked or broken. A flame-proof skull cap to protect the hair and head as well as hearing shield in noisy situations is recommended.

Plastic throwaway cigarette lighters are very dangerous around heat and fire. It is very imperative that they not be carried in the pockets while welding. Always provide protection to bystanders or other workers by welding inside a appropriately screened area, if possible. If powerless to work inside a screened area then protection to others should be provided by a transferable screen or shield, or by their wearing anti-flash goggles

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE WELDERS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to perform skilled welding work in the fabrication and repair of metal equipment. Welders use acetylene and electrical equipment in the fabricating, heating, welding, cutting, and brazing of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in accordance with standard trade practices. Generally, welding assignments are accompanied by blueprints, sketches, and oral instructions indicating the type of material to be used. Work includes performing mechanical repairs on heavy duty equipment. Work methods or techniques are left to the discretion of the employee, subject to inspection as to the volume of production and quality of workmanship.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Welds shafts, cams, spindles, hubs, and bushings on automobiles, trucks, trailers, well pumps, booster pumps, etc.;

• Welds a variety of park, playground, and sports equipment and facilities;

• Performs mechanical repairs on heavy duty automotive equipment;

• Performs welding tasks in well fields and water and wastewater treatment plant to ensure water tight integrity;

• Repairs airport hanger doors and performs welding operations on airport automotive equipment;

• Creates and updates written of work accomplished;

• Performs miscellaneous welding work required during the construction and repair of City buildings;

• Welds storm grates and manholes;

• Straightens and rebuilds heavy duty equipment;

• Performs aluminum welding;

• Welds various traffic signal poles and utility poles;

• Welds fire trucks, water tanks, stainless steel, and brass fittings;

• Fabricates various objects from oral instructions;

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The standard tools, materials, motions, and practices of the welding trade.

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals in relating to welding and brazing.

• Occupational hazards and effective safety precautions of the trade.

• Arc air procedures and equipment

Skill in:

• The use of acetylene and electronic welding equipment (i.e., MIG, TIG, and standard) and other standard tools and equipment related to the trade.

Ability to:

• Read and interpret blueprints and working drawings.

• Plan welding work and make estimates of materials required.

• Make precise arm-hand positioning movements and maintain static arm-hand position.

• Make fine, highly controlled muscular movements to adjust the position of a control mechanism.

• Make skillful, controlled manipulations of small objects.

• Lift arms above shoulder level.

• Work in small, cramped areas.

• Work at heights or depths greater than ten feet

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment or shift.

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. In addition, individuals may be required to pass an Arizona Department of Transportation physical exam and possess the appropriate commercial driver's license (CDL).